The Gambia
West Africa · Updated April 2026
For most travellers to The Gambia, CDC recommends hepatitis A and typhoid alongside routine vaccinations. Hepatitis B, meningococcal and rabies may be advised depending on your itinerary, and yellow fever proof is needed if you arrive from a country with transmission risk. Malaria occurs in all areas, so see a travel doctor 4 to 6 weeks before departure to arrange antimalarials.
Malaria is present year-round throughout The Gambia; meningococcal vaccination may be advised for longer stays during the dry season.
Required for entry
No vaccines are currently required for entry to The Gambia from most countries.
Exception: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination — Required for travellers aged 9 months and over arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Not required for direct travel from the United States.
Recommended for most travellers
CDC advises these for all visitors to The Gambia.
Hepatitis A
A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.
Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.
Food & WaterTyphoid
A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.
The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.
Recommended for some travellers
Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.
Hepatitis B
A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.
Meningococcal
A bacterial infection spread through close contact that can cause meningitis. Required for pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, and advised for parts of the African meningitis belt during the dry season.
Rabies
A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.
Malaria
Not a vaccineMalaria occurs in all areas of The Gambia. Predominantly P. falciparum, with less common P. malariae, P. ovale and P. vivax; chloroquine-resistant. CDC advises taking prescription antimalarials such as atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or tafenoquine.
Food & water safety
High riskTap water and ice are generally unsafe. Stick to sealed bottled water, boiled water, or water from a reliable filtration system. Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, raw shellfish, and street food from vendors with poor hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly before eating.
Routine vaccines to be up to date on
CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Polio
Flu (Influenza)
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Shingles
COVID-19
Entry requirements
For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.
Take antimalarials and prevent mosquito bites, avoid freshwater (schistosomiasis) and contaminated water/soil (leptospirosis, melioidosis), and avoid contact with dogs as rabies is present.
Source: CDC Travelers' Health — The Gambia.
Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.